Taping device system and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

A taping device system for applying one or more boundaries to define a sporting court. In example embodiments, the court is a pickleball court. The taping device system can include a taping device, one or more spacer components, one or more corner markers, a desired length of guidance string and an applicator tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/963,295 filed Jan. 20, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of devices and systems for applying boundaries or lines to a floor or surface, and more particularly to a taping device system and methods thereof for applying boundaries to define a paddleball court.

BACKGROUND

Typically, most (if not all) sporting courts or playing areas are defined by one or more boundary lines or markers. Typically, depending on the particular sport or activity, the boundary lines play a significant role regarding the rules and scoring thereof. In most cases, one or more athletes or players of the sport must travel to a location where the particular court or playing area is available for use.

For example, a widely-popular racquet sport such as tennis is typically played on a tennis court, which is widely available in most areas and accessible by a substantial portion of the population. Conveniently, tennis courts comprise a plurality of boundary lines that are dimensioned and configured according to a world-wide prescribed set of rules. For example, FIG. 1 shows a tennis court comprising a plurality of boundary lines and a centrally-positioned net extending along the midpoint of the court. Notably, as the racquet sport of tennis has been around since the 16th Century, the rules, regulations and playing court specifications are well established and has become a commonplace sport for many.

However, other racquet sports such as pickleball is less known compared to tennis. History shows that pickleball was invented in 1965, several centuries after the well-established sport of tennis began. Since its origination, pickleball has become a popular sport in the US and Canada (e.g., with the establishment of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)), and is growing internationally throughout Europe and Asia. However, despite its growing popularity, pickleball courts are very rare in comparison to tennis courts, for example, which are smaller in size with boundary lines positioned and dimensioned differently. FIG. 2 depicts a pickleball court, which is generally similar to a tennis court, however, some of the boundary lines, etc. are dimensioned and reconfigured differently.

In most cases, pickleball players will apply temporary boundary lines to a tennis court, and thus, reconfigure portions thereof according to the pickleball rules and regulations. Reconfiguring a tennis court for pickleball can be quite cumbersome and lengthy from a time perspective, for example, as measurements must be taken, marked and additional boundaries must be applied to the tennis court. Typically, this requires at least two people. Moreover, in the case where it is desired to construct a pickleball court elsewhere (e.g., a parking lot, gym or basketball court, etc.), the entirety of the court must be constructed, for example, where boundary lines are placed and dimensioned correctly and with a net hoisted and extending between about 34-36 inches from the ground at the court's midpoint (and extending between the sidelines thereof). For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, the net height near the sidelines is typically 36 inches and about 34 inches at the center (e.g., near the centerline).

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for a device and system to facilitate the application of boundaries to a floor or playing surface such that a court or other playing field can be constructed efficiently in a timely manner. It is to the provision of a taping device system and methods thereof meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a taping device system and methods for constructing a sporting court.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for constructing a court having one or more boundary lines including a taping device and at least one corner marker.

In example embodiments, the system includes four corner markers. In example embodiments, the taping device includes a base housing, an applicator wheel, a guide, a fork and a tape roll rotatably mounted to the fork. In example embodiments, the system can further include an applicator tool or one or more spacer components. In example embodiments, the taping device can further include a receiver for attachment of an extension arm thereto. In example embodiments, a handle can be provided for connection to at least a portion of the extension arm.

In example embodiments, the court is a pickleball court. In example embodiments, the pickleball court is constructed on a tennis court. In example embodiments, the pickleball court is constructed on asphalt or concrete pavement. In example embodiments, the pickleball court is constructed on a gym surface.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a tennis court according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and showing the boundaries and dimensions thereof.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a pickleball court according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and showing the boundaries and dimensions thereof.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a tennis court and boundaries thereof, and showing the boundary lines of a pickleball court overlaid thereon such that a comparison between the two can be visualized.

FIGS. 4 is a side top perspective view of a taping device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side top perspective view of the taping device of FIG. 4 with a tape roll removed from the taping device.

FIG. 6 is a side top perspective view of the taping device of FIG. 4 with the tape roll installed in the taping device and a pair of scissors removably held in a holder integrated into the taping device.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a taping device according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the taping device of FIG. 7 showing the taping device in an open position.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the taping device of FIG. 7 with a guide pin in the down or guidance position.

FIG. 10 shows an alignment component for use with the taping device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows two alignment components of FIG. 10 used together to create a guidance system for use with the taping device according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12-14 show a user applying a boundary to a parking lot so as to construct a pickleball court according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a tennis court TC (see dashed lines) defining a plurality of boundary lines, and further shows a pickleball court PC (see solid lines) comprising a plurality of boundary lines that are centrally-positioned within the tennis court TC, for example, such that the net N of the tennis court TC can be used as the net N for the pickleball court PC. As depicted in FIG. 3, a plurality of dimensions are provided, for example, which are also shown in FIGS. 1-2.

FIGS. 4-9 show a taping device 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. According to example embodiments, the taping device 10 is adapted for applying a tape or adhesive component T atop a surface, for example, such that the boundary lines for a court, field or other line or boundary-defined game, sport or activity can be at least temporarily applied to a surface, for example, atop a tennis court, an asphalt or concrete parking lot, a gym floor (wood and/or carpet), or other walking surface suitable for playing pickleball (see FIGS. 12-14). In example embodiments, the tape T is generally provided in the form of a roll of tape or tape roll 22 comprising tape T wound or wrapped around a central core or tube. According to some example embodiments, the tape T comprises, for example, 1-2 inch wide masking or painter's tape. Optionally, other tapes, adhesive rolls or other spools or receptacles of material, for example marking material, can be provided as desired.

According to example embodiments, the taping device 10 generally comprises a base housing 12 having a first extension member or retainer wall 20 a, a second extension member or retainer wall 20 b, an applicator wheel 14, a receiver 32, and an axle or pin 30. In example embodiments, the extension members or retainer walls 20 a and 20 b extend from the front of the base housing 12 in a substantially forward direction. In example embodiments, the first retainer wall 20 a and second retainer wall 20 b are generally parallel to one another and define a gap or space therebetween, the gap or space being dimensioned and configured to receive the tape roll 22. In example embodiments, first retainer wall 20 a, having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, is fixedly mounted or integrated about its first end to the base housing 12. Accordingly, the first retainer wall 20 a does not move relative to the base housing 12. In example embodiments, the axle 30 is fixedly mounted or integrated to the second end of the first retainer wall 20 a. The axle 30 extends substantially transversely from the inner surface of the first retainer wall 20 a, for example, towards the second retainer wall 20 b.

According to example embodiments, the second retainer wall 20 b, generally having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, is pivotally mounted about its first end to the base housing 12. Generally, the second retainer wall 20 b is configured to pivot about pivot pin 18 between a first, open position and a second, closed position. In example embodiments, the second retainer wall 20 b includes a hook component 19 about its second end, the hook component 19 being configured to releasably catch onto or engage axle 30 in the closed position. In some example embodiments, axle 30 and hook component 19 may be adapted for cooperative engagement. For example, axle 30 may include an expanded edge along its loose end opposite its end mounted to the first retainer wall 20 a, the expanded edge being configured to tightly fit into a groove set into the hook component 19 and configured to releasably secure the second retainer wall 20 b to the axle 30 in the closed position. In other example embodiments, the second retainer wall 20 b may include a channel 70 configured to receive and releasably lock on to the axle 30 (see FIG. 7).

According to example embodiments, the applicator wheel 14 comprises a generally tubular profile and is rotatably mounted to base housing 12, for example, to permit movement of the device 10 along a surface while also facilitating the application of the tape or adhesive component T to the surface (see FIG. 12). In example embodiments, the applicator wheel 14 is mounted generally to an underside of the base housing 12 and oriented such that the axial axis of the applicator wheel 14 is parallel to the axial axis of the roll tape axle 30. In some example embodiments, the applicator wheel 14 may have a textured or knurled circumferential surface to provide addition grip or friction against the tape or adhesive component T. In still other example embodiments, the applicator wheel may be made from or wrapped with a flexible material, such as for example, rubber, silicone, or the like, to further facilitate the application of the tape or adhesive component T to uneven surfaces.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the receiver 32 extends from the base housing 12 and is configured for receiving an extension arm 34, which is grasped by a user during the application of the tape atop a surface (see FIG. 12). According to example embodiments, the extension arm 34 comprises an elongated profile with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In example embodiments, the first end of the extension arm is configured to releasably engage the receiver 32 and the second end is provided with a soft grip or handle 36. According to example embodiments, the extension arm 34 comprises telescoping segments such that the length of the extension arm can be adjusted as desired. In example embodiments, the first end of the extension arm 34 and the receiver 32 are cooperatively threaded for securing the extension arm 34 to the receiver 32. However, it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the extension arm may be secured to the base housing by various suitable temporary and permanent means, such as for example, push fit, friction fit, or use of adhesives, push pins, mechanical latches, and/or collars. In other example embodiments, a handle bar may be mounted to the second end of the extension arm 34.

According to example embodiments, the taping device 10 further includes a pair of kickstand extensions 28. The kickstand extensions 28 generally extend from the base housing 12 and are configured to enable the taping device 10 to stay standing or vertical without user intervention (as shown in FIG. 4). In example embodiments, the kickstand extensions are spaced apart and define a space or gap therebetween generally wide enough to accommodate the width of the tape or adhesive material T. In example embodiments, the kickstand extensions 28 also help maintain the tape T positioned between the ends of the applicator wheel 14 during use of the taping device 10 (see FIG. 7). Optionally, the taping device 10 may further include tape guides 33 which also help maintain the tape T properly aligned over the applicator wheel 14 (see FIG. 8).

According to example embodiments, the taping device 10 further includes a guide rod or alignment aid component 31 which serves as a visual alignment aid to the user when using the taping device 10 along with corner markers (as described below). The guide rod 31 is generally an elongated, straight rod secured to a guide rod base 35. In example embodiments, the guide rod base 35 is pivotally mounted to the base housing 12 and is configured to pivot between a generally upright, stored position and a down, in-use position. For example, when the taping device 10 is not in use, the guide rod may be pivoted to the generally upright store position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. During use, the user can pivot the guide rod back down to the in-use position so that guide rod 31 is substantially parallel with the ground or surface as shown in FIG. 9. According to example embodiments, the guide rod base 35 is capable of being releasably mounted to either side of the base housing 12 (as shown by FIGS. 4 and 7). In example embodiments, the guide rod base 35 is mounted to the base housing 12 by a screw. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other suitable attachment means may be utilized to secure the guide rode base 35 and guide rod 31 to the base housing 12.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the taping device 10 also includes a pair of tape roll housing or adapter components 24 which are configured to frictionally engage the central core or tube portion of the tape roll 22 and secure the tape roll 22 between the pair of roll housing components 24. According to example embodiments, the tape roll housing components 24 further include central bores 23 configured to axially align to the central core of the tape roll 22. In example embodiments, the central bores 23 are configured for receiving the axle 30 therethrough allowing the tape roll 22 to be rotatably mounted to the axle 30. In example embodiments, the combination of the tape roll 22 and roll housing components 24 are configured to rotate substantially freely when mounted to the axle 30. In some example embodiments, the tape roll housing components 24 may comprise a plurality of inwardly-extending fingers or tabs to provide for frictional or snap engagement with the core of the tape roll 22.

According to example embodiments, the taping device 10 further includes a scissor holder 37 as best shown in FIG. 6. In example embodiments, the scissor holder 37 is a slot or pocket formed on the base housing 12 and adapted for receiving the shear end of a pair of scissors SC. In other example embodiments, the scissor holder 37 may be adapted to received other hand-held tools and/or instruments, such as for example box cutters, knives, and putty knives.

According to some example embodiments, the taping device 10 may include two tape roll retainer walls fixedly mounted or integrated to the base housing. The tape roll retainer walls have circular holes that are axially aligned and configured to receive a loose axle whereon a tape roll can be rotatably mounted between the two tape roll retaining walls. The axle may be secured to the tape roll retainer walls by threaded engagement or other suitable means.

Optionally, according to other example embodiments, rather than applying tape T to the court surface, one or more other materials or components can be applied thereto. According to one example embodiment, a temporary spray paint or coating can be applied to the court surface as if it was a tape material. Preferably, the material could remain in contact with the court surface at least through the duration of a plurality of games, or for example, at least 1-2 days. Optionally, other materials can be provided to form the boundary lines as desired.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a corner marker according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the corner marker 60 is generally L-shaped, or for example, a symmetrical L-shape defining a central outer corner and arm extensions extending outwardly and defining an angle of about 90 degrees therebetween. In example embodiments, the corner marker 60 comprises one or more guidance components 62 and receivers 64 as desired. As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, a guidance string S (see dashed lines) is configured for removable engagement with the guidance components 62. In example embodiments, the guidance components 62 include catches or ledges 63 for securing the string to the guidance components. In example embodiments, receivers 64 are configured to receive and anchor a hook of a tape measure used to locate corner markers specific distances apart from one another. In example modes of use, the hook of the tape measure is anchored to the receiver 64 and the tape measure is positioned between the top surface of the corner marker and the overhang 65 of guidance components 62. Positioning at least a portion of the tape measure under the overhang 65 prevents the tape measure hook from becoming dislodged from the receivers 64 when making measurements.

Preferably, at least four corner markers 60 are provided such that each corner of the pickleball court PC can be positioned and temporarily connected to the surface of the court, and then for example a guidance string S or other alignment guide is configured for removable engagement with each of the four corner markers 60 to define the outer perimeter of the pickleball court PC. According to example embodiments, the corner marker 60 can be at least temporarily fastened to the tennis court TC surface (or other surfaces) by one or more adhesives, tapes, sticky pads, fasteners, hook and loop material, suction cups, one or more weights, or for example, other components or materials (or combinations thereof), etc. such that the corner marker 60 remains in a desired position during the application of the tape thereto.

In example embodiments, once the corner markers 60 are connected to the surface in the desired position and with the guidance string S connected therebetween, the taping device 10 can then be used to apply tape from the tape roll 22, for example, with the guidance string being used as a guide for the taping device to follow. According to one example embodiment, the taping device 10 comprises a guide rod 31 that is configured to be aligned with the guidance string S when applying the tape to the surface of the court.

In example modes of use, for example, to prepare the taping device for use, the user secures a pair of roll housing components 24 to tape roll 22 (one roll housing component 24 on each end of the core of the tape roll 22). With the second retainer wall 20 b in the open position, the tape roll 22 is rotatably mounted to the axle 30 by sliding the axle 30 through bores 23 of the roll housing components (see FIG. 5). The tape roll and roll housing components are confined to the axle 30 by pivoting the second retainer wall 20 b back to the closed position and releasably locking or securing the second retainer to the axle 30. In example modes of use, the tape roll 22 is mounted to the axle 30 such that when the tape roll 22 is unraveled or unwound, the adhesive side of the tape is exposed away from the taping device 10 or, more specifically, the base housing 12. With the tape roll rotatably mounted to the axle 30, an exposed end of the tape roll is guided between the guide tabs 33 and under the applicator wheel 14. The exposed side of the exposed end of the tape T is then applied to a surface or ground on which the user wishes to apply the tape T. As the user moves the taping device 10 forward, rotation of the applicator wheel 14 causes additional tape to be dispensed or unraveled from the tape roll 22. The applicator wheel 14 also applies or transfers pressure needed to adhere the tape T to the surface.

FIGS. 12-14 show a sequence of operation of the construction of a pickleball court PC according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the user U initially positions and connects the corner markers atop the surface. The user U then connects the guidance string S at each of the corner markers to define a rectangle comprising a width of 20 feet and a length of 44 feet (as partially shown in FIG. 11). The user U then uses the taping device to apply tape between each of the corner markers 60. According to example embodiments, the user U can roll the taping device 10 across the applicable surface from one corner marker to the next (as shown in FIG. 12). Preferably, the user U may visually align the guide rod 31 to the guidance string S to create straighter tape borders. Once the user U reaches the next corner marker 60, the user cuts the tape T as close to the inner corner of the corner marker 60 as possible and reapplies the end of a new tape strip to the end of the prior tape strip before rolling the taping device 10 to the subsequent corner marker. The user U repeats these steps as necessary to create the desired boundaries. Thereafter, the user U can similarly apply tape to define the centerlines and non-volley lines (see FIG. 2). Optionally, other hand tools, such as for example a putty knives, scissors, box cutters, etc., may be used to assist in applying and/or severing the tape as needed.

Alternatively, instead of rolling the taping device 10 across the surface, once one end of the tape is secured properly with respect to one corner marker, the user U may carry the taping device 10 above ground to each subsequent corner marker, dispensing tape over the distance between the markers. The tape is pressed to the surface only after both ends of the tape are aligned to two appropriate corner markers first.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, the taping device 10 and one or more corner markers 60 (four corner markers according to one example embodiment) can be provided as a kit to be commercially sold online or in other retail environments, for example, such that individuals desiring to play pickleball can easily construct a pickleball court PC without requiring too much work or time.

According to some example embodiments, rather than manually applying the boundaries using the taping device 10, the taping device can be entirely automated such that the boundaries can be applied without much (if any) user input. According to some example embodiments, one or more of the corner markers can comprise one or more electronic components or capable of communicating with one or more electronic devices such that the positioning thereof is substantially automated and accurate. According to one example embodiment, an application accessible via an electronic device can provide connectability with one or more of the corner markers, for example, such that the application provides a real-time visual of the positioning of the corner markers or other components to be used for constructing the boundary lines of the pickleball court PC. The components and the electronic device can communicate with each other wirelessly as desired, for example, via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, radio frequency or other means of wireless communication as desired. Optionally, a wired connection can be provided.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A taping device for applying lines to a surface, comprising: a base housing; an applicator wheel; and a retainer configured to removably retain a receptacle of marking material.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle of marking material is a tape roll.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises at least one retaining wall and a retainer axle.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the retainer comprises a first retainer wall and a second retainer wall.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first retainer wall is immovably mounted to the base housing and the second retainer wall is pivotally mounted to the base housing.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the retainer axle extends substantially transversely from the first retainer wall in a direction towards the second retainer wall.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the second retainer wall is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second retainer wall is configured to releasably engage the retainer axle in the closed position.
 9. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising a receiver for attachment of an extension arm thereto.
 10. The taping device of claim 9, further comprising a handle connected to at least a portion of the extension arm.
 11. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising a holder for an auxiliary tool.
 12. The taping device of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary tool is a pair of scissors.
 13. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising one or more kickstands adapted for keeping the taping device upright without external intervention.
 14. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising an alignment aid component.
 15. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising tape guides mounted to the base housing.
 16. The taping device of claim 1, further comprising an adaptor used for mounting the receptacle of marking material to the retainer.
 17. A system for constructing a court comprising one or more boundary lines on surfaces, the system comprising: the taping device of claim 1; and at least one corner marker.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the system comprises four corner markers.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the court is a pickleball court.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the pickleball court is constructed on a tennis court. 